City receives funding for Wurzbach Parkway

The Texas Transportation Commission today voted 5-0 to provide the City with Proposition 12 funds totaling $130 million to complete a substantial portion of Wurzbach Parkway. Once complete, Wurzbach Parkway would serve as an alternative to Loop 1604 and IH 410, providing improved mobility in and around the north side of San Antonio.

"At a time when highway funds are scarce, this is great news for local motorists in one of the more congested areas of our city," said Mayor Julian Castro. "I commend the state for recognizing the importance of this project and all of the local officials who worked to make it happen."

The additional Proposition 12 funds will be added to the $12.5 million the City, the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Texas Department of Transportation has earmarked through the 2007-2012 Bond Program, which supports right-of-way acquisition, aesthetics and operational improvements.

"Completion of the Wurzbach Parkway initiative will enhance mobility, provide congestion relief and spur economic development in the area," said Councilman John clamp. "I'd like to thank those on the MPO and the San Antonio Mobility Coalition for all of their hard work as well as the Texas Transportation Commission for approving the funding. This project will greatly benefit the city of San Antonio," he added.

Wurzbach Parkway was initiated in the late 1980's to provide a mobility option for the north side of San Antonio. Located roughly halfway between IH 410 and Loop 1604, the 11.5 mile project extends from Lockhill Selma to IH 35. The substantial commercial and residential growth on the north side of San Antonio bounded by IH 10, IH 410, IH 35, and Loop 1604 has created the need for improved mobility.

"The completion of the Wurzbach Parkway has great significance in alleviating traffic congestion on the north side of San Antonio," said Councilwoman Elisa Chan. "It will provide another east-west corridor and give motorists an alternative route in addition to Loops 1604 and 410. Also, District 9 neighborhoods in the Bitters Road area will greatly benefit from this project," she added.

Major traffic generators and attractions in the area that would benefit from improvements include the Medical Center, USAA, the San Antonio International Airport, the main post office, and many others. Currently, Loop 1604 and IH 410 provide the only continuous east-west routes for this northern San Antonio area. In addition to relieving traffic along, the parkway has the potential to reduce traffic demands on several north-south arterials. Furthermore, the project offers the benefits of increased safety, increased arterial continuity, and the support of economic development.

"I am very pleased that Wurzbach Parkway will finally be completed. Completion of this roadway is a much needed mobility improvement for our citizens in growing section of our city," Councilman Reed Williams added.

Project bidding will begin in May 2010.